Thread lift caused dimples and dents in my face. Will this be permanent or not? What should I do to flatten my skin? (Photo)

Question

Hi there, I am judy. I'm just so depressed with what happened to my face after thread lift. My doctor put a total of 100 threads in my cheeks, which I thought would V lift my face,but then, it didn't go well as I expected. It's been more than a month now and I saw some dimples on my left cheek, like dents!! I am so sad right now. Do you think this will be permanent or do I have to wait longer to get my old facial texture? What procedure should i do to flatten my skin again?

Gina Mantor, MD · Answer

That was an extremely aggressive treatment you had, especially for as young and pretty as you are!  
I am assuming based on your location and goals with the V lift that these were PDO threads, in which case, there are things that can be done to speed up the resolution of the dimpling and dents.  You certainly do not want to have the threads "removed" as that will cause more issues than you currently have, and the threads will dissolve over time on their own.  
The first question is whether you are happy with the results at all or not?  If you are, then you don't want to speed up the process of them dissolving too quickly or you will lose that benefit and have gone through all of this for nothing.  If you just have a few small spots that you are unhappy with, you can simply use heat, even a hot coffee cup, and hold that to your face gently on a daily basis, as heat will speed up the dissolution of the thread.  That will slowly loosen the thread at the spot where it is causing a dimple or dent.  On the other hand, if you are completely unhappy with the entire result of the entire procedure, you should see a physician about doing a heat based procedure such as radiofrequency or laser on your face, as that will rapidly dissolve all of the threads, and you will no longer have the benefits or negative effects of the thread lift.
I hope that has helped !  Good luck!

Chaitali Nangrani, MD · Answer

Hello, 
From my experience, PDO threads during healing can cause minimal dents and this is usually from tightening. If by week three the dimples are still present, make a follow up appointment. Rarely the threads do come up, and might have to pulled out. Alternatively PDO Threads do get absorbed into the skin, and eventually ease up and relax the dimpled skin.

Daniel Chang, MSc, MBBS, MRCS · Answer

Threads can be divided into absorbable and non absorbable sutures. The trend now is for absorbable sutures, of which we have PDO and PLLA.
Threadlift is a minimally invasive treatment, and it appeals to people because of this fact. Removal of a thread is not so straightforward. The tissue trauma, swelling, bruising and pain makes it a rather invasive process so many doctors feel it is much better to give time to allow for the threads to dissolve.
After a threadlift procedure, it is best to wait for swelling to settle, which takes up to a month, before doing any further work.
After 3 months, neocollagenesis occurs. PDO sutures would have dissolved to a good extent, while for PLLA sutures, there is a core of collagen around the suture, making it extremely traumatic to remove.
In general, it is best to not remove absorbable threads unless there is a strong medical reason, for example infection. Skin irregularities, for example dimples and dents will resolve when your thread dissolves, so there is no need to remove it. 
It will get better.

Ashish (Ash) Dutta, MBBS (registration suspended) · Answer

Thread lifts do have dimples and indentations as documented complications. Most often, the unevenness will settle over 2-6 weeks. However, if the threads were made of permanent material (nylon), then the surface dimples maybe last longer. I would advise you see your aesthetic practitioner for further advice.

Thread lift caused dimples and dents in my face. Will this be permanent or not? What should I do to flatten my skin? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Thread lifts do have dimples and indentations as documented complications...

Answer: Thread lifts do have dimples and indentations as documented complications...

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Thread Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Thread lift caused dimples and dents in my face. Will this be permanent or not? What should I do to flatten my skin? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Thread lifts do have dimples and indentations as documented complications...

Answer: Thread lifts do have dimples and indentations as documented complications...

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Thread Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.